Tears burning the corner of your eyes can be due to several irritants or conditions that affect the composition and flow of your tears.
Common Causes of Burning Tears
Here’s a breakdown of the common factors that can cause that stinging sensation:
Environmental Irritants
- Exposure to Smoke: Smoke particles can irritate the delicate tissues around your eyes, leading to burning tears.
- Air Pollution: Similar to smoke, pollutants in the air can also cause irritation.
- Dry Air: Dry environments can cause the tear film to evaporate more quickly, resulting in a burning sensation as your eyes become dehydrated.
Physical Irritants
- Sweat: When sweat gets into your eyes, the salt content can cause a noticeable burning sensation.
- Foreign Objects: Even small particles like dust can irritate the eyes and lead to burning tears.
Eye Conditions
- Dry Eyes: When your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality, it can lead to dryness and burning.
- Blepharitis: This inflammation of the eyelids can affect tear production and lead to burning tears and discomfort.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause the eyes to become inflamed, leading to burning, itching, and watery eyes.
Tear Composition
- Imbalance: If the composition of your tears is imbalanced, it might not lubricate effectively, which can cause a burning sensation.
Seeking Relief
While burning tears can be uncomfortable, several treatments can help you find relief. The appropriate solution will depend on the underlying cause:
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate dry eyes and wash out irritants.
- Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the eyes can help with conditions like blepharitis.
- Avoidance: Reduce your exposure to environmental irritants that trigger the burning sensation.
- Allergy Medication: Antihistamines can be used to treat allergies that are causing eye inflammation.
- Consult a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen, consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
| Cause | Example | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Irritants | Smoke, air pollution | Avoid irritants, use artificial tears |
| Physical Irritants | Sweat, dust | Rinse eyes with saline, protective eyewear |
| Eye Conditions | Dry eyes, blepharitis, allergies | Artificial tears, warm compresses, medication |
| Tear Composition | Imbalance in tear makeup | Consult a doctor for appropriate treatment |
It's important to note that several factors, including environmental irritants, sweat, dry eyes, blepharitis, and allergies, can cause the burning sensation from your tears.
